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Inaugural Du-It race runs smoothly

Tue, 10/15/2019 - 1:52 pm
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    From left to right: Aaron Hannah, bicycle winner; Sarah Lane, women’s overall winner and Aaron Ferrell, men’s overall winner, pose with their trophies. Photo/Trevor M. Wyatt

Jacksboro held its first combination run and bike ride, with the event considered a success by participants and organizers alike.

The Du-It Run/Ride, which took place Oct. 12 at 8 a.m, and was held at Live Oak Baptist Church, began with a 5k run, and was followed by a 20k bike ride. People could also choose to do just the run or the ride.

The event itself went off without a hitch, according to race director Brandy Lazarine, solely due to the diligence of the staff and the community.

“Safety was our number one priority in this race,” Lazarine said. “I made sure we had a large emphasis on getting the help we needed, and it was good help. We had the police, the sheriff’s office and highway patrol making sure nothing happened to anybody.”

That safety was important to the winner on the men’s side, Aaron Ferrell of Decatur. He said safety is a must in races like this, which he runs every week, and said this race was one of the best he had seen.

“The race was great, I was able to do what I did and come out on top because of how safe the race was,” Ferrell said. “I will not run a race if it is not safe, and this one was.”

The women’s winner, Sarah Lane, said her and her husband were most happy to see the community come together. She commented on seeing people she knew handing out water and cheering from the side of the road.

“The people in Jacksboro are very proud, very supportive,” said Lane. “It turned out really well, and the weather was great for a run, but was probably a little cold for the people standing and clapping.”

Lane prepared by running every morning at 4:30, and although the trophy will look good on her shelf there was one more element she was more proud of.

“There were three generations running today,” Lane said. “Myself, my mom, who turns 74 in December, and my daughter all ran and biked today. It’s special to have something like that which we all enjoy.”

Lazarine said the event will likely be held annually. She said she received praise from many of the participants and had good news for the next event.

“We expect another event to happen around this time next year. “ Larazine said. “[Ferrell] said he would bring a lot of his buddies next year, as well as help advertise on places we might not be able to reach, so that is going to be a great help.”